Tidal Blades
Balmatros are colorful, sharp-billed seabirds that stand just under 1.5 feet (50 cm) high, have a wingspan of 4 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 m), and are known for their aggressive natures. They are the bane of jelly farmers during mating season, which occurs just before the wet season begins.
Female balmatros choose their mates based on who can bring them the most food. Because jelly farms are plentiful this time of year, the males often invade in large flocks, wreaking havoc on supplies.
Balmatros typically build large nests in crevices along the cliffs using stones, seaweed, and anything else they find. They are attentive and protective parents, and families often stay together for many generations.
Motive: Hunger, finding a mate, defending their family and territory
Environment: Cliffsides, particularly along the edge of the sea or near jellyfish swarms
Health: 6
Damage Inflicted: Minor wound (2 points) with their beak or claws; 4 points as a flock (see Combat)
Movement: Short; long when flying
Modifications: Initiative as level 3; attacks and Speed defense as level 3 due to quickness and flight
Combat: Anyone who's been blindsided by a flock of balmatros knows their aggressive, combative tendencies firsthand. They are fierce foes, willing and ready to attack at the slightest sense of provocation or encroachment.
The birds often attack as a group of six to ten, using complicated flight formations to pinpoint a foe's weaknesses and position their strikes. When attacking as a flock, balmatros attack as level 4 and inflict a moderate wound (4 points).
Interaction: Balmatros are unswerving in their goals of hunting jellyfish and defending their families.
Use: While descending a treacherous cliff face, the characters accidentally startle a flock of balmatros. A jelly farmer is seeking someone to help protect their farm during balmatros mating season.
Loot: Balmatros nests typically have a clutch of eggs, as well as possibly some jewelry, 1d6 shells, or other small objects.
GM Intrusion: The flock of balmatros works together to herd one or more characters toward a cliff edge or into the path of a more dangerous creature.